Coaster Chicken Needs Help

[BellyBaby]

Hi all, first timer going to Universal/IOA. My DH loves coasters; me, not so much. Would love some help on how to work my way up to doing some big rides for my DH's sake.

Been to disney once, and managed to go on these rides:

Space Mtn (no real probs)
Big Thunder (very fun)
TowerOT (scared me to death, doubt I'd do it again)
Rockin' Roller coaster (after much pleading by son and hubby, was too dark to know what was going on, so surprisingly, I was OK)
Ex. Everest (scary but fun scary)

Now, my rational is this...any coaster I've been on at Disney, is never really "wide open, up in the sky" like DD and Hulk. Being so "free" up in the air and going fast looks terrifying. EE is fast, but there's mountains all around you, and Rockin' RC is all dark, I knew nothing. I'd actually go on that again instead of TOT. Does this rational make sense? Or am I fooling myself into thinking a ride is more scary b/c I'll be able to see more sky?

So, please help. Is there any hope for a coaster chicken like myself? Is there an order of coasters to work my way up? It's not a motion sickness issue , it's an "I'm going to die" issue.

thanks all!

 

[schumigirl]

Gosh that was me our first visit!!

Even on our first trip, we were about to go in to TOT, and I thought I was really going to pass out I was so scared as I didn`t like drops, but here I was about to go on TOT

Well i LOVED it

But that year I didn`t do any of the "big" coasters, and I actually sat and had a little cry at the foot of The Hulk as DH and DS went on. I was so desperate to try, but absolutely petrified. Didn`t manage anything except ROTM.

When we got back home I was so gutted and disappointed that I didn`t even try them

However last Sept I was like a galleon in full sail as we headed into IOA. I was just determined I wasn`t coming all this way and not doing the rides.
Fortunately there was no queue and we more or less got to the front straight away.
My palms were sweating, my pulse was racing and I thought ,again, I may pass out (sorry for the dramatics)
When I got into the seat and the harness came down I thought oh well can`t get off now and just held on for my life!!!

It was the best thing I ever did I LOVED every second of it, screamed all the way round, but in a fun way Went back on time and time again.

I went on to do Dr Doom, Jurassic Park and Duelling Dragons, both sides.

I totally understand how you feel, but honestly if you can just pluck up the courage to go on once, you will be unstoppable. I felt incredibly safe on them, whereas I imagined I would have that "I`m going to die" moment.

I can`t wait to get back this year, and plan to go on the new coaster, even though it looks terrifying

Hope you manage to go on, and have fun

 

[Darcy03231]

I'm a coaster chicken because I have motion issues (inner ear/balance). Having said that I'll ride everything in US and in IOA I only skip Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Dr. Doom and the spinning thing next to Hulk, I think its called Storm Excelerator (think teacups). If you don't have motion issues I would go and try everything at least once. That way you'll know. I just can't stand feeling sick all day after either spinning or going upside down.

 

[donaldduck352]

I am a coaster chicken.But,as crazy as it might sound,ride the Hulk 1'st.Only because you get shot out instead of going up a lift hill.So there is no time to panic.It is pretty intense,but once you conquer it DD will be a breeze!!
Hope this helps

 

[Metro West]

So, please help. Is there any hope for a coaster chicken like myself? Is there an order of coasters to work my way up? It's not a motion sickness issue , it's an "I'm going to die" issue.

thanks all!

As a long time coaster/thrill ride junky, I can tell you the best thing to do is...not to sound like Nike but...JUST DO IT! Don't stand and watch the ride "just to see what it does"...just get in the line and strap yourself in w/o hesitation. The longer you delay the more your mind is going to talk you out of it. Coasters are so much fun and I really feel sorry for people who don't ride them but that's their issue.

I guarantee you if you decide to try Hulk, DD, RoTM and the HR3 (if it's open) you will instantly fall in love with coasters having realized your fears were unfounded and realizing how much fun you've missed.

 

[DVC_Princess]

I agree to try Hulk first. Even though it looks scariest, there's no build up in the beginning (the up, up, up climb is the scariest part of a roller coaster and w/ Hulk it just shoots you right out - kind of like Rock'n'Roller Coaster). Besides if you found it easier in the dark, just close your eyes

And if you can get over riding Hulk and have fun, you won't be as scared riding the rest of them and you'll def have a blast!!!

 

[FloraFauna]

We visited Universal Orlando last month and I was just like you. I worked up the courage and rode the Hulk and loved it. It was great!

 

[rpbert1]

I agree with Metro West, do not stand and watch it or you will never get on it.
Some info on our DD11 at the time, would not get on any coaster, and if she was with us , would definetly not let me on, she actually stood crying and holding on to me saying i would die lol, quite embarrasing , but we went on the new Simpsons ride last July, told DD that was what it was like if you where on a real coaster, especially the loop part, we came out of US and she wanted to go on the Hulk, she walked straight into the queue with us and rode it, and loved it, ended up going on about 5 times, then it was straight round to DD and rode each side multiple times, now she is a coaster freak , she wants to go to rede them all at Busch this year

 

[donaldduck352]

Like Metro stated-just do it once..
I am a coaster chicken,but I will ride anything they have out there too thro at me-at least ONCE..And sometimes one time.
Do what I do-sit next to a person that can talk you down and keep your mind off the big lift hill.Just talk about anything the weather the dinner you had but keep eye contact-dont look around.Then before you know the ride is going and all the talking is out the window!!This is were you can scream your lungs out and nobody cares--A Great Feeling!!

 

[BellyBaby]

Thank you all. Still scared, tho. But agree to try Hulk if I can manage the drop at the end of Jurassic. Duel. Dragons will wait to see how I handle the Hulk.
Maybe I'll be reformed.

But I have to admit the second time I rode EE is AK, it felt nowhere NEAR as intense the first time. Maybe you can get accustomed to them.

thanks again! We leave Sat!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

You'll do fine on Mummy, as that's indoors.

For Hulk & Dueling Dragons, there is but one rule:

SCREAM YOUR HEAD OFF

Seriously, do it. Whether it's because it's scary or fun, just scream. Let it out.

Here, practice with me:

 

[macraven]

use the restroom before you get on the ride.


you'll be fine.

you'll really enjoy the coasters....

 

[Hoan & Poopie]

I was that way a few years ago. Went from chicken to coaster fanatic in one season by just doing it. Now I've been on every coaster at WDW, IOA, Six Flags Great Adventure, Dorney Park, & Hersheypark.

Only problem now is some rides get kind of tame after you've done them a few times.

 

[Tinks1984]

I was a rollercoaster chicken too before I went last April with DBF. I'd never been on one in my life and really didn't think I ever would. I had that feeling of " I'm going to die" too, so you're not alone.

Anyway, off we went to IoA and decided at the foot of DD that I'd get on there and try Fire. I was terrified, so much so I'd go to say that if the queue hadn't been as short as it was, I'd have gotten right off at the chicken exit!

Short queue, one exception, I didn't want to ride upfront, so we chose row two. And guess what - I loved it!! I came off with the most tremendous buzz and adrenaline rush I'd ever experienced. I did have very wobbly legs, but DBF reassured me that was fine and it was just excitement! I rode everything after that and didn't feel too bad after any of them. So if you can bring yourself to get on one - then do it!

One thing I will say though, I didn't eat much during the time I was riding, I think if I had have done, then it'd have been a different story entirely

 

[Mtnman44]

You asked, so here is some real help:

Step one: Ride everything you are scared of until you are no longer scared of it.
Step two: Enjoy the fuller experience you get from theme parks for the rest of your life.

Done.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

DW and I have a GF who rides Hulk,DD,ROTM with her eyes closed.Maybe that'll help.
My DW has a great time without riding the coasters much,so don't feel pressured.

 

[BellyBaby]

So I'm guessing it's no accident that the Hulk is the first big coaster you see walking into IofA. And I did exactly what I wasn't supposed to, I watched the coaster first. But I was determined to not let fear rule, bit the bullet and got in line after 3 days thinking about how to do it. The line was long, over 40 minutes to think about the ways I could die, or at least seriously embarrass myself.

We get within 4 car loads of our turn, and the ride breaks down. Perfect. Let's add some fuel to the fire just to make sure I'm totally freaked out. Waited an extra 15 min. at least to visualize my demise. Then it finally starts working again, we get close, then the coaster control lady asks for a party of 2. My DH didn't hear her, but I did, and I mustered up the courage to say "over here". She didn't hear me. "OVER HERE!" My DH just about fell over that I volunteered. That's like a man on death row moving up his execution date just because he could. We get strapped in, and I'm sucking in trying to "click" my harness as tight as possible. Nope, that's as tight as it'll go. My DH looks over at me, thinking I'm trying to get out b/c I'm rattling my harness so much. I grin, feigning excitement.

We shoot out, thank God my fellow Dissers told me that, I hate that slow climb. First inversion......OMG, I'm not freaking out. Second, I actually look around and see my world upside down. Sharp turn, scream, actually kinda fun. Through the mist! Holy Cr@p! This is not bad at all. It's pretty cool! And it's done in a flash. I don't feel sick or shakey. I feel amazing.

THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE. DD next time. Baby steps, people. It's great knowing I can go on everything with my DH and DS next time. Yayyyyyyyy! You guys rock.

 

[Mtnman44]

Congrats. that is awesome.

 

[Tinks1984]

Wow, Bellybaby! Well done on getting on Hulk!

You did so well with all that waiting too, I think if that'd been me on my 1st one then I wouldn't have gotten on there! Brave for shouting up to them too!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience and fingers crossed you can get on DD next time, that's my favourite coaster and I'm sure you'll love both Fire & Ice!

Thanks for coming back on and letting us know how you got on!